Complete Nicaragua

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

The rising star of Central America, Nicaragua offers towering volcanoes, colonial charm and a stunning array of natural and cultural highlights. Although one of the region’s best-kept secrets, the country has more than enough to offer those wanting to spend a bit more time really getting under the skin of this underrated Central American destination.

Beginning in the charming colonial city of Granada, the journey takes you on a tour of some of the country’s finest attractions ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the colonial cities of Granada and León
  • Climb the slopes of the Masaya and Telico Volcanoes
  • Discover some of the country’s abundant flora and fauna
  • Hike through the impressive canyons of the mountainous northern highlands
  • Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of the serene Corn Islands
  • Camp on a volcano by its crater and watch the sunset

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE MANAGUA - GRANADA

Day 1 ARRIVE MANAGUA - GRANADA

After being met on arrival in Managua, your guide will transfer you to Granada.

Hotel Boutique Adela

Day 2 GRANADA

Day 2 GRANADA

This morning you'll head out to Cocibolca Lake, from where you can explore by kayak the labyrinthine of volcanic islands that make up 'Las Isletas'. After returning to Granada for lunch, this afternoon then sees you enjoying a walking tour of the cobblestone streets of the charming colonial city. Founded in 1524 and filled with baroque and renaissance architecture, the tour takes in the city's main highlights before ending at La Merced church.

Hotel Boutique Adela
Breakfast

Day 3 GRANADA

Day 3 GRANADA

Today you will visit the popular handicraft market at Masaya, before moving on to discover the tranquil beauty of the Masaya Volcano National Park and its active volcanic crater. Continuing on to the 'Pueblos Blancos' (the White Villages), you'll then have an opportunity to discover the gleaming white colonial architecture of these centuries-old villages and wander through stalls of vividly painted handicrafts, before stopping off in Catarina en route back to Granada, to enjoy the panoramic views of the Apoyo Lagoon.

Hotel Boutique Adela
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 GRANADA - OMETEPE ISLAND

Day 4 GRANADA - OMETEPE ISLAND

Departing Granada today, the journey takes you to the port of San Jorge to catch the ferry across to the island of Ometepe. Lying amongst the waters of the expansive Lago de Nicaragua, the island is made up of two volcanoes, connected together by an isthmus. Passing between the two volcanic peaks, on arrival at your accommodation the rest of the day is free to enjoy some leisure time around the lake.

San Juan De La Isla
Breakfast

Day 5 OMETEPE ISLAND

Day 5 OMETEPE ISLAND

After breakfast this morning you'll head to Finca El Porvenir, a small lodge located on the slopes of the Maderas Volcano on the eastern side of the island. With a local guide to accompany you, you'll explore the nearby petroglyphs and dry forest, before climbing up to enjoy some stunning views across the island. Continuing to the green lagoon at Charco Verde, there will then be time to relax in the natural pool of 'Ojo de Agua'.

San Juan De La Isla
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 OMETEPE ISLAND - ESTELI

Day 6 OMETEPE ISLAND - ESTELI

Take the morning ferry back to San Jorge where your driver will be waiting to transfer you on to Estelí, taking around four hours with a stop for lunch along the way. Located in the rich mountainous northeast of the country, Estelí was historically known as a refuge for Cuban cigar makers; the city doesn’t see much tourism in comparison to the colonial jackpots of León and Granada but has an interesting history that still lives on in the city today. An afternoon arrival gives you the rest of the day at leisure to relax or perhaps explore the city and its Museum of History and Archaeology.

Los Arcos
Breakfast

Day 7 ESTELI

Day 7 ESTELI

Making your way towards the Honduran border this morning you'll spend the day in Somoto, lying in the northern foothills along the Pan-American Highway. Here you can spend some time enjoying the unique environment of its impressive canyon, with opportunities for swimming, walking and diving. Lunch today will be taken in a nearby town famed for its doughnuts.

Los Arcos
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 ESTELI - CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Day 8 ESTELI - CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Heading around two hours out of the city of Estelí, deeper into the area’s rural mountains famed for their plantations of coffee and tobacco, you’ll make your way to La Bastilla Ecolodge, adjacent to the Datanli El Diablo Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax amongst the fresh vegetation and mountainous air.

La Bastilla Ecolodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Day 9 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

La Bastilla Ecolodge is a working coffee estate, specialising in arabica beans; recognised for its sustainability and certified by the Rainforest Alliance since 2003. Spend this morning hiking the trails around the large estate, sharing the same flora and fauna as the adjoining nature reserve. The lodge’s staff can help you identify and spot local birds that fill the area. Then in the afternoon, you will have an in-depth tour of the plantation, learning all about their progressive processes before enjoying a coffee tasting of the highest quality arabica coffee, being the only lodge in Nicaragua to specialise in this.

La Bastilla Ecolodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS - LEON

Day 10 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS - LEON

After breakfast, depart for the beautiful colonial city of León, around 3.5 hours south. The rest of the day is free to independently explore the historic city centre, a short walk from your hotel, and get a feel for the city.

El Convento
Breakfast

Day 11 LEON - TELICA VOLCANO

Day 11 LEON - TELICA VOLCANO

Considered to be the country's cultural capital, León's charming streets are filled with a captivating collection of elegant old buildings, wrought iron balconies and arched colonnades. This morning you will have a chance to discover its resplendent churches and fascinating museums, before enjoying the views from the roof of the city's immense cathedral. Joining a local guide, you will then climb to the summit of the nearby Telica Volcano, following the forested trail to the top in time for sunset. Camp this evening by the crater.

Telica Volcano Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 TELICA VOLCANO - LEON

Day 12 TELICA VOLCANO - LEON

Waking to some truly spectacular views this morning, you'll descend from the crater's rim and head for the hot springs of San Jacinto, where you'll take breakfast with a local family. Continuing on towards the basaltic cinder cone of the Cerro Negro Volcano, there will be an opportunity for a short hike and a chance to sandboard back down the slopes, before ending the day back in Leon.

El Convento
Breakfast

Day 13 LEON - CORN ISLANDS

Day 13 LEON - CORN ISLANDS

Transfer back to Managua today and fly on to the idyllic Corn Islands.

Arenas Beach
Breakfast

Day 14 CORN ISLANDS

Day 14 CORN ISLANDS

Lying amongst the azure waters of the Caribbean and blessed with some three miles of white sand beach, Big Corn Island provides the setting for two days of relaxation and leisure. A fascinating mix of cultures and traditions, the island has opportunities for snorkelling, exploring by bike, or simply relaxing under the palm trees. Sample some of the fresh seafood and enjoy the laid-back charm of the Caribbean.

Arenas Beach
Breakfast

Day 15 CORN ISLANDS

Day 15 CORN ISLANDS

Day to relax or enjoy the activities on offer.

Arenas Beach

Day 16 CORN ISLANDS - DEPART MANAGUA

Day 16 CORN ISLANDS - DEPART MANAGUA

Depart to the airport for your flight to the capital, where you will connect you’re your onward international flight home.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

16 days from C$6,596

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 10806 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Richard

Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640

Nicaraguans are gregarious people with a passion for poetry and irony. When things go wrong, this is to be expected they shrug, since they are blessed with the only country where lead floats and cork sinks.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN NICARAGUA